BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jim Dean, Chairperson
Jim Dean has been a dedicated member of Rosedale Technical College’s Board of Directors since 2019 and currently serves as Chairperson. With a lifelong commitment to career and technical education, Jim brings a wealth of leadership and expertise to his role, drawing on decades of trade education experience.
Jim is the former Owner and President of Dean Institute of Technology, a renowned institution founded by his late father, Dr. John Renwick Dean, in 1947. Under Jim’s leadership from 1973 to 2019, the institute became a respected name in technical training. A strong advocate for education and workforce development, Jim has also served on the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools (as Board Chair from 1996 to 1999) and the Pennsylvania Association of Private School Administrators (as President from 1986 to 1988).
In addition to his educational leadership, Jim is deeply involved in community and industry organizations. He has been a Board Member and President of the Pennsylvania Training Assurance Fund since 2004 and served on the Pittsburgh Better Business Bureau Board from 2004 to 2019.
As a licensed airline transport pilot with over 3,500 flight hours, Jim’s diverse skills reflect his passion for technical precision and hands-on expertise.
Jim is a graduate of Duke University (A.B., 1971) and the University of Pittsburgh (MBA, 1974). As Chairperson of Rosedale Tech’s Board, he is committed to expanding public awareness of the college’s mission, fostering capacity growth, and ensuring that programs remain focused on the technical excellence that prepares graduates for immediate success in the workforce.
A strong supporter of the trades, Jim takes pride in the critical role Rosedale Tech plays in equipping students with blue-collar skills essential to the Pittsburgh region and beyond.
Greg DeFeo, Vice Chairperson
Greg DeFeo is a visionary leader and accomplished strategist with a career spanning over three decades in education management, finance, and operations. As Vice Chairperson of Rosedale Technical College’s Board of Directors, Greg brings unparalleled expertise in driving strategic initiatives, building positive organizational cultures, and fostering continuous improvement to advance the college’s mission.
Greg’s career achievements include earning the Pittsburgh Business Times Top CEO Diamond Award and leading Pittsburgh Technical College to become Western Pennsylvania’s largest career-focused institution, serving over 2,000 students and employing 300 staff. He spearheaded a transformative project converting the college into a nonprofit 501(c)(3) institution and led expansions in academic offerings, residential campus development, and strategic partnerships.
His leadership is marked by financial acumen, with experience managing $100M in debt acquisition and restructuring, and operational excellence, reflected in achieving seven consecutive Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Best Places to Work accolades. Greg has also overseen major construction projects and navigated complex regulatory environments.
Currently serving as Consulting Manager at Wilke & Associates, CPAs and Business Advisors, Greg advises on mergers, acquisitions, business valuations, and strategic planning. With a foundation in accounting from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (graduating with honors), Greg’s career has included pivotal roles in finance, operations, and executive leadership across multiple organizations.
Greg’s dedication extends beyond professional endeavors, as evidenced by his service on various boards, including the PA Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania Association of Private School Administrators. His dynamic leadership continues to shape the future of technical education and workforce development in the region.
David Wilke, Secretary and Treasurer
David Wilke has proudly served on Rosedale Technical College’s Board of Directors since 2003, continuing a family legacy established by his father, Ben Wilke, a former president of the college and lifelong advocate for career education.
David is the Co-Managing Partner of a public accounting firm he founded in 1998. With a vision to redefine traditional public accounting, David has grown the firm to include over 60 employees and 2,000+ clients, fostering a collaborative and flexible workplace culture. His leadership earned him the 2022 Smart 50 Award for innovation, impact, and sustainability in the Greater Pittsburgh region.
An MBA graduate in Accounting and Finance from Duquesne University, David has extensive expertise in tax and business planning, nonprofit consulting, and business coaching. He has been recognized as a nominee for the Small Business Administration’s Entrepreneur of the Year and Accountant Advocate of the Year awards. Beyond his professional achievements, David dedicates time to community service, including over a decade on the Board of Directors for the Light of Life Rescue Mission in Pittsburgh.
David believes Rosedale Tech plays a vital role in training the future workforce for the skilled trades, a sector that impacts every aspect of daily life and continues to thrive in the region. As a board member, he takes pride in contributing to an organization that fuels the economy and evolves to meet the needs of students and employers.
Debbie Bier, Board Member
Debbie Bier joined Rosedale Technical College’s Board of Directors at the end of 2024, bringing decades of experience in leadership, marketing, and education. A graduate of Marshall University with a BA in Journalism, Debbie has a dynamic professional background that includes a successful tenure in corporate marketing and a pivotal role in advancing technical education.
Debbie’s 16-year career at Rosedale Technical College included serving as Director of Admissions and eventually as Executive Vice President. During her time at Rosedale, she was instrumental in driving enrollment growth, leading strategic initiatives, and overseeing facility upgrades, contributing to the college’s reputation as a premier institution for technical training. Her commitment to leadership development and human resources underscores her dedication to fostering organizational success.
Before her work in education, Debbie held key roles in the private sector, including Director of Credit Marketing at Kaufmann’s Department Store/May Co., where she worked for 21 years, and as a Marketing Representative for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.
As a board member, Debbie values the opportunity to engage with staff and collaborate with local business leaders to strengthen Rosedale Tech’s connections to the community. She is passionate about the college’s mission, recognizing the critical role its programs play in addressing workforce demands in fields like construction and transportation—sectors she views as essential to economic growth.
With a personal interest in interior design and a son working in carpentry, Debbie has a deep appreciation for skilled trades. If given the chance, she would choose to study carpentry herself, combining her design interests with hands-on craftsmanship.
Debbie’s blend of professional expertise, dedication to technical education, and personal connection to the trades makes her a valued advocate for Rosedale Technical College’s mission and vision.
Joseph Froelich, Board Member
Joe Froelich has been a dedicated member of Rosedale Technical College’s Board of Directors since 2012. With over 20 years of global leadership experience, he specializes in navigating digital disruption and driving transformation across industries.
Joe’s expertise spans diverse areas, including digital services strategy, mergers and acquisitions, program and product engineering, organizational design, and diversity and inclusion leadership. He has successfully led teams across the USA, CEEMEA, and Asia to achieve operational excellence and business growth.
Currently serving as Vice President of Global Commercial Strategy and Operations at CAS, Joe has also held leadership roles at LexisNexis, including VP and Managing Director for Global IP. His career began at McKinsey & Company, where he gained valuable experience in strategy and operations.
Joe holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University and an MBA, summa cum laude, from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. A lifelong advocate for innovation and team success, Joe is known for his optimistic and transformational leadership style.
At Rosedale Tech, Joe is passionate about enhancing the institution’s technical programs and preparing students to thrive in high-growth industries.
Jonnet Solomon, Board Member
Jonnet Solomon joined Rosedale Technical College’s Board of Directors in 2023, bringing a lifetime of experience, innovation, and advocacy for the trades. An accomplished accountant and entrepreneur, Jonnet’s journey began in Georgetown, Guyana, where she grew up surrounded by the warm Caribbean breezes and her family’s mango farm. Her father, Phil Solomon, an inventor of the steelpan drum, relocated the family to Pittsburgh in 1986 to establish Solomon Steelpan Company—the first steelpan manufacturing company in the United States. Fun fact: Mr. Solomon is a graduate of a Pittsburgh trade school (Dean Tech).
Jonnet’s connection to the trades runs deep. Growing up in a family involved in HVAC and steel manufacturing, she began managing her father’s company’s accounting at just 10 years old. Her passion for accounting led her to earn a degree from Duquesne University, after which she founded her own accounting firm, which she successfully ran for 20 years. Today, she channels her expertise into nonprofit work and community initiatives, including restoring the historic National Negro Opera House as its Executive Director.
A lifelong advocate for technical education, Jonnet sees Rosedale Tech as a beacon of opportunity. The college’s dedication to skilled trades reminds her of her upbringing, where hands-on problem-solving and innovation were daily practices. She is committed to making technical training more accessible and recognized, believing that the trades are key to revitalizing the American economy.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jonnet has performed on national platforms with her family’s steelpan band and appeared on iconic shows like Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. She also founded Booxmart, an automated accounting solution, and Steel City Arts Initiative, providing cultural and educational experiences to children and families.
Jonnet’s leadership, passion for innovation, and dedication to preserving history and advancing education make her an invaluable member of Rosedale Technical College’s Board. Her mantra, “Shoot for the moon,” reflects her belief in the limitless possibilities that come with hard work and determination.
Dennis Wilke, Board Member
Dennis Wilke has been an integral part of Rosedale Technical College for over two decades, serving on its Board of Directors since 2003 and holding the position of President since 2006. Under his leadership, Rosedale Tech has grown to become Pittsburgh’s premier institution for skilled trades education, recognized for its high standards, student success, and strong relationships with employers across the region.
Dennis began his career with a 14-year tenure at the May Department Stores Company, where he rose to the position of Vice President–Controller for Foley’s Department Stores in Houston, Texas. In 1991, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics with an additional major in Philosophy from Carnegie Mellon University. A dedicated advocate for career and technical education, Dennis is a Past President and current board member of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Career Schools (MAACS), where he has served since 2013.
As President of Rosedale Tech, Dennis has continued the legacy of his father, Ben Wilke, who also served as the college’s president. He is passionate about creating an environment where faculty and staff can thrive while empowering students to build rewarding careers in the trades. Dennis takes great pride in Rosedale Tech’s contributions to the region, fulfilling the growing demand for skilled technicians and helping improve the lives of its students.
Dennis’s approach to education is rooted in curiosity and a desire for broad knowledge, making him an enthusiastic supporter of all the programs Rosedale Tech offers. He finds great satisfaction in fostering a culture of excellence and innovation that supports both the students and the workforce needs of the community.
Our Mission
The mission of Rosedale Technical College is to enable students to obtain employment in positions related to the trade industries using hands-on training programs aligned with industry needs and effective student services designed to promote student success.
Our Vision
We are the engine of our regional economy by providing genuinely valuable hands-on training which adapts to meet the needs of employers. We unlock the energy of our students and provide the spark of knowledge which gives our students the confidence to change their lives.
Our Values
RTC values a student-centered approach in everything we do. We also value continuous improvement and self-development along with honesty, humility and enthusiasm.